There are many advantages to living 'in the herd', both for animals and people. This collective behavior exhibited by many species that live on Planet Earth is familiar to all of us.
The term 'herding' is used mainly for wild or domestic animals that graze and form part of the food chain. Antelope, reindeer, zebras, and elephants are some familiar animals that come together for mutual protection and species regeneration. In these wild animal populations, a solitary individual is rare, and a recluse is often an old or infirm individual. Domestic cattle are herded by their owners.
Other terms, such as 'packs of predators' or 'flocks of birds', denote the same sort of coming together for mutual protection and social structure. Breeding is facilitated when animals of both sexes group together, and raising the young is easier with many members to protect and guide. It is not unusual for one adult to stay with many nursing young while the herd goes off to water; the guardian goes off alone after the others have returned.
Being part of a herd offers protection for each individual, since one member is often isolated as prey and all the rest take the opportunity to escape. Of course, the entire herd is easily tracked and sighted, which increases the danger, but the risk is much less than for a solitary animal. There is also greater safety in numbers for animals which have strong defenses, such as elephants. Only very strong bull elephants roam alone.
This principle applies to people as well. If you doubt that, think of being one of a crowd on a city street or walking alone, especially at night. There is also security in following the established rules of society, which is why people dress alike, share tastes in food and music, and accept certain rules of conduct. Those who drive only a few miles over the speed limit are less likely to get a ticket than those who go ten or more miles an hour too fast, although both groups are breaking the law. The faster drivers are just more visible.
Herd behavior in humans carries risk that other species don't encounter. People who follow - like sheep - often believe what the current wisdom prescribes whether their common sense can justify it or not. Macro-evolution comes to mind. How many of us believed what we were taught about species development until geology and micro-biology raised serious doubts about Darwinism? Global warming is another subject where many ignore the controversy and blindly accept the political propaganda. There is probably merit in all views, but many people don't even know the questions are there.
People who would never break serious laws may do so when in a mob - an example of an unruly herd. Lynching someone without a trial, throwing bricks through windows, smearing racial graffiti on buildings, and looting stores are all examples of what mob mentality can cause otherwise sane and law-abiding people to do. It is a strong-minded individual in this sort of scenario who often restores order and sanity.
Living in the herd can be pleasant, safe, and profitable. However, remember that a group may more easily influenced than a independent individual and consider what you are about.
The term 'herding' is used mainly for wild or domestic animals that graze and form part of the food chain. Antelope, reindeer, zebras, and elephants are some familiar animals that come together for mutual protection and species regeneration. In these wild animal populations, a solitary individual is rare, and a recluse is often an old or infirm individual. Domestic cattle are herded by their owners.
Other terms, such as 'packs of predators' or 'flocks of birds', denote the same sort of coming together for mutual protection and social structure. Breeding is facilitated when animals of both sexes group together, and raising the young is easier with many members to protect and guide. It is not unusual for one adult to stay with many nursing young while the herd goes off to water; the guardian goes off alone after the others have returned.
Being part of a herd offers protection for each individual, since one member is often isolated as prey and all the rest take the opportunity to escape. Of course, the entire herd is easily tracked and sighted, which increases the danger, but the risk is much less than for a solitary animal. There is also greater safety in numbers for animals which have strong defenses, such as elephants. Only very strong bull elephants roam alone.
This principle applies to people as well. If you doubt that, think of being one of a crowd on a city street or walking alone, especially at night. There is also security in following the established rules of society, which is why people dress alike, share tastes in food and music, and accept certain rules of conduct. Those who drive only a few miles over the speed limit are less likely to get a ticket than those who go ten or more miles an hour too fast, although both groups are breaking the law. The faster drivers are just more visible.
Herd behavior in humans carries risk that other species don't encounter. People who follow - like sheep - often believe what the current wisdom prescribes whether their common sense can justify it or not. Macro-evolution comes to mind. How many of us believed what we were taught about species development until geology and micro-biology raised serious doubts about Darwinism? Global warming is another subject where many ignore the controversy and blindly accept the political propaganda. There is probably merit in all views, but many people don't even know the questions are there.
People who would never break serious laws may do so when in a mob - an example of an unruly herd. Lynching someone without a trial, throwing bricks through windows, smearing racial graffiti on buildings, and looting stores are all examples of what mob mentality can cause otherwise sane and law-abiding people to do. It is a strong-minded individual in this sort of scenario who often restores order and sanity.
Living in the herd can be pleasant, safe, and profitable. However, remember that a group may more easily influenced than a independent individual and consider what you are about.
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